Brendan Croker >RIP

[Michael Messer]

I am sorry to be the bearer of such sad news. Brendan Croker has died. He was 70 years old.

I have no information about how Brendan died, I will update this thread when there's more information.

For those that don't know, Brendan was a fine singer, songwriter, guitarist and bandleader. Long time friend of Steve Phillips and Mark Knopfler, in the 1980s his band 'Brendan Croker & The Five O'clock Shadows' were one of THE bands on the roots music scene at the time. Later in 1990 Brendan was part of the four piece band 'The Notting Hillbillies' with Mark Knopfler, Steve Phillips and Guy Fletcher. Their album 'Missing, Presumed Having A Good Time' was, along with 'Brothers In Arms' one of the albums that brought shiny silver National guitars to the mainstream audience.

Back in 1985 and 1987 Brendan's excellent albums with his band, The Five O'Clock Shadows, 'A Close Shave' and Boat Trips In The Bay' were among my favourite works of that period.

Writing this has reminded me that in 1988 I was invited to be part of a four piece on the MainStage at Cambridge Folk festival which consisted of Brendan Croker, Steve Phillips, Dave Kelly and me. Great memories of playing with Brendan, Steve and Dave on that occasion.







This last one is from only three weeks ago....15th August 2023


Brendan Croker >RIP

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Shine On
Michael

[leeophonic]

I saw the notification earlier from Steve Phillips who put a few heartfelt words together on facebook, sad for us at a distance so I send my thoughts & best wishes to those in a closer circle of friends and family.

I too have a collection of earlier Vinyl, and reflect on when I missed meeting Brendan in June/July of 1998 when they were playing a local charity gig in Taplow adjacent to Colin of Notecannons fames farmhouse, my wife had me on strict orders at the time as due to give birth and travel and being away for too long was off, nevermind.

I hope everyone can access some of Brendan and the Notting hillbillies and raise a glass and thanks for the the music and inspiration.

Lee

[Pickers Ditch]

I have raised a glass of Bandol Rosé accordingly.

Sad news doesn't seem to stop coming these days, does it?

Lovely memories of seeing the NHBs at Colchester University followed by a family road trip holiday down to Toulon via the Route Napoleon in an an Alfa Giulietta with The Notting Hillbillies as the soundtrack to the drive.

Thanks Brendan - sleep peacefully.

[Michael Messer]

This is the perfect obituary, from Brendan's old friend Mark Knopfler.



'It’s a sad farewell to old friend in song Brendan Croker who has succumbed to leukaemia. You’ll probably read more about Brendan in obituaries soon. He was a true artist in every way, appeared eccentric to many but was positive, brave and generous to a fault. We had many happy years sharing music including touring and singing with our mutual pal Steve Phillips in the Notting Hillbillies. The song I can hear Brendan singing now is the one we used to finish our set with, ‘Feel Like Going Home’.
My thoughts are with Brendan’s partner Ali and their friends everywhere.' - MK

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Shine On
Michael

[pascal]

So sad, a part of my youth still gone...

[leedscitystompers]

I was lucky to play at jam sessions with him here in Leeds.

Loved hanging out and as well as recently buying his Ralph Bown ‘BBQ Bob 12 String,’ I had the pleasure of him bringing a Steve Evans (BELTONA) and Steve Phillips made resonator to check out at the jam sessions at The Tiny Tearooms in Rodley.

Sad about this as various Leeds friends are. We all genuinely loved his artistry, stories and life. I was actually near his house in Kirkstall with my son when I saw the news on Facebook.

Loved his music as a kid and couldn’t believe I was in the room with him when he turned up to a jam years back at the famous Grove Inn. Still voice some chords the way he did from watching his fingers when following tunes that first time.

He was telling tales about Mark Knopfler and Chet Atkinson last time I saw him.

RIP.